CULTURAL FRANCE
Each year, hundreds of international visitors set out to discover the monuments, museums, and festivals at the heart of the French cultural heritage. The richness and diversity of this heritage are major reasons for choosing to visit France. Everyone recognises the strong interdependent relationship between tourism and culture; each supports the other, particularly when it comes to creating an attractive environment. In this context, it is essential to continually offer a fresh vision of this heritage, attractive both to repeat travellers and to first-time visitors.
TOP 5 FOR 2017
Château du Clos Lucé
2016 – 2019: 500th anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci’s years at the Château du Clos Lucé in Amboise. Four years of celebrations with special cultural programmes: exhibitions, shows, conferences, a music festival, and more.
Château of Azay-le-Rideau
After benefiting from the exceptional restoration programme for three years, the Château of Azay-le-Rideau in the Loire Valley will be unveiled this summer. The château also offers a new experience: highlighted collections, a dreamlike tour path, mobile tour guide applications, a romantic park, and so on.
New restaurant – Pic du Midi
In June, the Pic du Midi is welcoming a brandnew contemporary restaurant with a capacity of up to 100 guests. The large bay windows will provide diners with an exceptional view over the Pyrenees mountain range. Certainly an experience in itself.
Château de Chenonceau
On the evening of 15 August, visitors will be able to discover the magic of the château’s illuminated gardens accompanied by the music of Arcangelo Corelli, master of Italian classicism. A perfect setting for a very romantic summer evening.
Les Nuits de Fourvière – Lyon
June – August 17 – Theatre, music, dance, opera, circus… Les Nuits de Fourvière have the performing arts at heart. With Gallo-Roman theatre as a backdrop, the programme features carefully selected artists and performa
NEED TO KNOW
The CMN (Centre des Monuments Nationaux) offers free admission for under 18.
FOR THE DIARY
- 25 May to 31 December Highlights of Leonardo da Vinci’s royal feasts and celebrations
- 1 April to 17 September Exhibition ‘Melnikov/Le Corbusier, Meeting in la Villa Savoye’
- 15 September to 8 October Festival d’Ambronay – Opera music
- 14 July Weekend Wine tasting beneath the stars of local Touraine-Chenonceaux appellation (AOC) vintages
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